Su-57 Engine Breakthrough Could Be Big News for India’s Su-30MKI Fleet

For years, the biggest limitation of Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, the Su-57, was believed to be its underpowered engine. This shortcoming not only affected the aircraft’s performance but also restricted Russia’s ability to market the jet effectively on the global defence stage.

However, the situation is now changing dramatically. According to recent reports, Russia’s long-awaited engine upgrade programme, known as ‘Product 177’, has finally achieved success. Flight trials of the Su-57 fitted with the new engine have already begun, positioning the fighter as a serious rival to the American F-35.

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Product 177: A Long-Term Solution for the Su-57

The Product 177 engine has been developed by Russian defence major Rostec and its subsidiary United Engine Corporation (UEC). Designed specifically to meet the demands of fifth-generation fighter aircraft, this engine is being viewed as a permanent solution for the Su-57 programme.

According to UEC, Product 177 delivers around 16,000 kilogram-force (kgf) of afterburning thrust, a significant improvement over the aircraft’s previous powerplant. This leap in thrust is expected to transform the Su-57’s overall combat performance.

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Key Features of the Product 177 Engine

Reports suggest that Product 177 incorporates advanced materials, next-generation thermal coatings, and modern manufacturing technologies. These upgrades allow for a higher and safer turbine inlet temperature (TET), directly improving thrust efficiency.

One of the biggest advantages of the new engine is its better specific fuel consumption (SFC). In practical terms, this means the Su-57 can fly farther, generate more power, and consume less fuel.

Additionally, the engine enhances the aircraft’s service life, which is expected to reduce long-term operational and maintenance costs.

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Supercruise Capability Enhances Stealth Advantage

Defence experts believe the Product 177 engine enables the Su-57 to achieve sustained supercruise—flying at supersonic speeds without using an afterburner.

The upcoming Su-57M variant is estimated to cruise at speeds between Mach 1.8 and Mach 2.0 without afterburner assistance. This capability significantly lowers the aircraft’s thermal signature, making it harder for enemy radar systems to detect and track the jet during combat missions.

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Russia Strengthens Its Position in the Global Arms Market

With the engine issue effectively resolved, Russia is now in a much stronger position to promote the Su-57 internationally. Rostec has indicated that export deliveries of the Su-57 have already begun, and demand for the Su-57E export variant could rise sharply due to the Product 177 breakthrough.

Strategically, this development marks a major win for Russia, as the Su-57 is increasingly being viewed as a fully mature and reliable fifth-generation combat platform.

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Why This Development Matters for India

The impact of the Product 177 programme goes beyond the Su-57 alone. Experts believe that similar engine technology could eventually be adapted for aircraft such as the Su-35, Su-34, and Su-30MKI/SM.

India operates a large fleet of Su-30MKI fighter jets and is actively exploring engine upgrade options. In this context, Product 177-derived technologies could prove to be a game-changer for the Indian Air Force, improving performance, range, and operational efficiency.

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A Direct Challenge to American Air Dominance

Amid ongoing tariff tensions and rising geopolitical rivalry, Russia’s success with Product 177 has strengthened the Su-57 programme and posed a direct challenge to American dominance in fifth-generation fighter technology.

With the engine hurdle finally cleared, the Su-57 is no longer seen as a compromised project—leaving Washington with little room to dismiss Russia’s flagship stealth fighter.